Water Levels

With Great Lakes levels finally back to normal after a 15-year downturn, the University of Michigan plans research to help people in the region prepare for future ups and downs. The university’s Graham Sustainability Institute announced the program this week, as federal scientists reported that Lakes Superior, Huron, Michigan and Erie are well above their long-term average levels. Lake Ontario is slightly below.

Two unusually wet years have finally ended the lengthiest period on record of low Great Lakes water levels — a blessing for long-suffering cargo shippers and recreational boaters — although scientists said Tuesday it’s uncertain whether the recovery is temporary or heralds a trend.

Boaters and other lake goers are still being asked to go slow on Lake Minnetonka. On June 5, the Lake Minnetonka Conservation District implemented an “Emergency High Water” declaration, during which it is against the law for any watercraft to go at a speed that would result in more than a minimum wake.

Water levels in the Great Lakes are expected to continue a steady recovery this year, courtesy of widespread ice cover that is slowing evaporation and snowfall that has approached record amounts in some cities, federal experts said Wednesday.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says Great Lakes water levels rebounded sharply last year after a prolonged low period dating from the late 1990s. A report issued Tuesday says Lake Superior rose early two feet, almost twice as much ground as it usually gains during its seasonal rise

Water levels on the drought-plagued Mississippi River are expected to keep dropping over the next several weeks, according to a new forecast Wednesday that comes amid worries that barge traffic soon could be squeezed along a key stretch of the vital shipping corridor.

A year after the Mississippi River swelled to near-historic proportions and flooded farms and homes from Illinois to Louisiana, the level along the waterway’s southern half is so low that cargo barges have run aground and their operators have been forced to lighten their loads.

It’s been mystifying residents and scientists for a number of years: Where is all the water going in White Bear Lake? While there are no simple answers, those studying the problem believe they’ve found a cause — but it won’t be easy to fix.

After a cool dry spring: the skies opened and haven’t let up. While much of the country is covered in drought conditions, Minnesota has been far wetter than normal. So, which is worse: a summer drought or a soggy summer?

The Upper St. Anthony Falls and Lower St. Anthony Falls locks and dams in downtown Minneapolis as well as Lock and Dam No. 1 next to Minnehaha Park were closed to recreational boats Tuesday due to high water flows on the Mississippi River. The locks and dams will stay closed for approximately one week.

Stevie T. fills in for John and takes a page from the Morning Show. Steve speaks with Star Tribune entertainment and pop culture columnist John Rash about the astounding TV numbers for Thursday night’s NFL […]